RENFREW COUNTY – In Renfrew County, it appears Canada Day is a week to drive recklessly.

The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has concluded their Canada Day week traffic safety initiative which took place from June 27 to July 5. The province-wide effort saw OPP officers focus on speeding drivers and all other forms of aggressive driving.

Over the course of the traffic safety initiative Renfrew OPP officers laid more than 200 charges including 169 speeding charges, seven stunt driving charges, nine seatbelt charges, three impaired driving charges and 18 marine personal floatation device charges.

“The Renfrew OPP would like to remind the public of the importance of wearing your personal floatation device (PFD) when on the water,” media relations officer Const. Tina Hunt released in a statement. “A PFD is the most under-utilized piece of safety equipment in seasonal outdoor recreation. More than 80 per cent of people who die on OPP patrolled waterways are found not wearing a PFD.”  

Senior pedestrian hit by truck dies of injuries

On July 3, at approximately 1:15 p.m. officers from the Renfrew Detachment of the OPP responded to a motor vehicle collision on Raglan Street South, in the Town of Renfrew. The collision involved a pickup truck and a pedestrian. The pedestrian was transported to hospital with life threatening injuries. The driver of the motor vehicle was not injured.  

On July 5, the pedestrian identified as Margaret McLeish, 78 of Admaston-Bromley Township, died as a result of injuries sustained in the collision.  

“The investigation is continuing with the assistance of OPP Technical Collision Investigation (TCI) and OPP Collision Reconstructionist officers,” Hunt said. “Anyone with information on this collision is asked to contact the Renfrew OPP at 613-432-3211.”

Renfrew OPP weekly round-up

The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) investigated 248 calls for service between June 29 and July 5.

Arnprior and Renfrew officers investigated nine domestic disputes during the past week.

One accused has been charged with one count of assault.

“If you or someone you know is living in or involved in an abusive relationship help is available,” media relations Const. Helen Paterson released in a statement. “Contact Bernadette McCann House 24/7 for support, advice or the safety of a shelter at 1-800-267-4930. The Women’s Sexual Assault Centre of Renfrew County is also available 24/7 for information and support at 1-800-663-3060. You could also attend the emergency department of any hospital in Renfrew County and ask to speak to a member of the Assault Response Team. Victim Services of Renfrew County is also available to provide emotional and practical assistance to people who have experienced domestic violence. They can be reached at 613-649-2852 or toll free at 1-877-568-5730. In emergencies call 9-1-1.”

On July 1, officers with the Renfrew OPP Detachment responded to family dispute on Seventh Street in the Town of Arnprior. As a result of the investigation Jennifer McGonigal, 38 of Arnprior, has been charged with impaired driving, driving with blood alcohol concentration over 80, and failure to comply with release order. The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Renfrew on Aug. 19.

On July 4, officers with the Renfrew OPP Detachment were conducting a RIDE Program on Burnstown Road in Horton Township. A vehicle was pulled over for further investigation. As a result of the investigation, Thomas Vezina, 57 of Renfrew, has been charged with driving with blood alcohol concentration over 80. The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Renfrew on Sept. 16.

On July 5, an officer with the Renfrew OPP Detachment was responding to a traffic complaint on 417 Highway in the Township of McNab-Braeside. A traffic stop was initiated on 417 Highway and as a result of the investigation, Hendrick Mulder, 55 of Admaston-Bromley Township, has been charged with impaired driving and driving with blood alcohol concentration over 80. The accused was released on an undertaking and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Renfrew on Aug. 19.

On July 3, officers from the Renfrew OPP were conducting traffic enforcement in Horton Township. A traffic stop was initiated on Highway 60 and as a result of the investigation, Cory Bourdon, 27 of Renfrew, was charged with possession of prohibited device or ammunition for dangerous purpose, carry conceal prohibited device or ammunition, possession of a prohibited device or ammunition, and failure to comply with release order. The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Renfrew on Aug. 19.

Crime Stoppers Pembroke/Renfrew County believes that someone may have information that could assist police in solving these crimes. If you have information that results in charges being laid, you qualify for an award of up to $2,000. Call Pembroke/Renfrew County Crime Stoppers at 613-735-8477 or toll free at 1-800-222-8477. You could help solve a crime. All tips remain anonymous and you will not have to attend court. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display. The telephones are answered 24 hours a day.  Please visit the website www.valleytips.ca.